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Cardiff City vs Liverpool (2-3 on pens)
Carling Cup Final 2012, Wembley, London UK
(Photos © urban75, Sunday 26th Feb 2012)
It was yet another day out at Wembley with my beloved Cardiff City - my fourth visit in five years! - but, sadly, it proved to be another ruddy defeat. Bah!
Despite losing the game, this was still a fantastic game of football, played with a great spirit by both sides.
The bookies had pegged Cardiff's chances of winning at a very remote 8-1, so it was a real treat to see Bluebirds playing a magnificent game, matching the Premiership big boys until the very end.
Here's some photos from the day:
On the way to the Wembley.
Heading out of Wembley Park station.
On Wembley Way.
Wembley Arch.
Inside, there were massive queues for the loos - I guess Wembley Inc figured they'd get more return for their investment by filling up the interior with lucrative retail units rather than providing enough toilets...
Although I was delighted to see Cardiff back in another big final, I still loathe the whole super-corporate 'Wembley experience.'
It's the sort of place where you get the feeling that you're being carefully coerced into putting on a good show for the sponsors, with lots of camera-friendly scenes carefully prepared.
At least this time there were no crappy flags lurking under ever seat ready for some 'spontaneous' mass waving sessions, but the pointless, cod-samba racket was blaring out again, ready to drown out any 'robust' chanting.
The pre match entertainment was more ludicrous than usual, with some bizarre, giant-sized Bladerunner-esque banners floating overhead, and the pitch covered in coloured fabric.
City fans. Curiously, the middle tier was full of Liverpool fans.
Great pointless balls of fire.
The floaty thing leaves the building.
Remote control cameras ready to capture the goal action.
Banner reads: 'Expose the lies before Thatcher dies.' 'Nuff respect to the Liverpool fans.
Liverpool fans hold up banners saying, 'Don't Buy The Sun.'
Cardiff fans joined in the protest in protest at The Sun's coverage of the death of Mike Dye, a Cardiff fan who tragically died at Wembley last year.
As for me, I've never bought The Sun and never will.
Let the game begin!
Cardiff go 1-0 up thanks to a Joe Mason goal. YESSS!
Under pressure at the end of the first half.
Liverpool equalise. Arse.
Into extra time.
Liverpool scored on the 108th minute, but the mighty City weren't done yet, as Turner bundled the ball over the line with just two minutes to go. Yes!
Jubilation in the City crowd.
Liverpool fans taunted.
Penalties!
Bellamy consoles Anthony Gerrard as City lose the game after a truly heroic battle.
You did the club and the city proud lads.
Chat about the Cup Final here
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City v Liverpool
Camera: Panasonic Lumix LX5